The party was a blast, and to share our moments together - I've decided to walk Yukino back to the station.
It's still a distance away though.
"Hah... It was nice hanging out with you Denjirou, sucks that summer holidays are upon us."
"Why? Aren't they opportunities to finally relax from our stressful university lives for once?"
Yukino looked at me and sighed, as if I "didn't know something".
"Well, that would mean I won't be seeing you any time soon. Didn't you mention you have a job or something?"
Oh right.
Ever since I've became of legal age, I've began working part time in a nursing facility. At least officially.
I've been slotting in night shifts between my uni hours - and now it'll be my first proper day shift... When I'll finally be able to take care of them. My grandparents.
It'll look nice in my résumé, but... I guess I am sacrificing my social life for it, whatever left of it anyway.
"I mean, I'll be free on weekends as well. Surely it's not end all be all."
"I-I know, but... My parents. They won't allow me to leave the estate."
"But aren't you an adult??? Surely you should be allowed to—"
"..."
Well, I guess we just hit 18. To some, their children are still seen as children.
Still, why?
"Is messaging okay?"
"I mean that works I guess..."
"Great. I'll message whenever something interesting happens, okay? You take care out there."
"Hm."
We've finally arrived at the station and we board a train. The deafening sound of both crowd and the train itself surrounds us, isolates us. As if we only existed in this world.
"Hey... Didn't you mention you had another hobby?" Yukino asked suddenly.
"Huh??? Really???"
"Something, about dreams..."
"That? Nah, it's not even a hobby, just a peripheral interest - that's it."
"... I thought they are quite neat. Lets you to escape this reality."
"Hm."
Well, it's not like I haven't tried. It's not like I enjoyed being in this reality either.
I didn't have a TV in my room - I couldn't escape the reality through normal means like the kids my age. I couldn't just cancel out the noise.
All I could do is for the new day to come forth.
I could only let the exhaustion to just claim me, as I cried, muffling my sobs, so that she won't come and start demanding that I stop it. As if her fists would make the situation better.
And that's when I saw the sea.
The endless darkness surrounding me, suffocating me and yet... Embracing me.
I thought that darkness would finally save me, as I began to fold red cranes across its vast sea, but...
It betrayed me. The miracle never happened.
That's when I knew that fantasy blinds you and leaves you only vulnerable to the harshness of truth. If you aren't prepared - it'll stab you.
And so, I said nothing. Because she wouldn't get it.
"Oh, my station is coming up. Guess that's it for now."
Yukino stood up and gave me one last goodbye as I drove.
And drove.
And drove.
The people surrounding me began to dissipate before it's only me and some vagrants strewn around. My station is here.
Coming back to an empty house, I home in to my bed and cry. It'll be the same either way.